Along the Canadian River, through the Texas Panhandle, to Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Fine four-sheet map of the overland exploration and survey map, undertaken by the United States Troops at the start of the Gold Rush.
In 1849, shortly after gold was discovered in California, some 3,000 immigrants traveled along the Canadian River from Fort Smith in Arkansas to Old Fort Holmes, in what is now Oklahoma. Since their route passed through the Comanche buffalo range, the immigrants were escorted by troops led by Capt. Randolph Barnes Marcy (1812-1887), a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy who spent much of his career as an Army officer in the American West.
The four sheets display the entire route, which initially crossed present-day Oklahoma, continued along the Canadian River to the llano Estacado in Texas' panhandle and finally into eastern New Mexico and Santa Fe, on the Rio Grande River.
The maps are accompanied by a report entitled:
Report from the Secretary of War, communicating, in compliance with a resolution of the Senate, the report and map of the route from Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Santa Fe, New Mexico, made by Lieutenant Simpson. Whilst serving as an escort to a party of California emigrants, escort commanded and location and construction of road directed by Cap. R. B. Marcy, 5th Infy. assisted as far as Topofke Creek by Byt. Cap. F. T. Dent, 5th Infy., exploration and survey of route by 1st Lieut. James H. Simpson, U.S.T. Engrs. assisted as far as Topofke Creek by Cap. Dent, and all the way through by Mr. Thos. A. P. Champlin, projected & drawn by Lt. Simpson, assisted by Mr. E. M. Kern and Mr. Champlin. Note: The exploration and maps illustrating it, have been facilitated by the surveys of the Canadian River and of New Mexico, made in 1845-46 & 47 by Lieut. Albert, T. Engr.
The map shows Native American habitation, military outposts, river crossings, wooded areas, physical landmarks, wagon roads and trails from Fort Smith, Arkansas to Old Fort Holmes in Indian Territory en route to Santa Fe, New Mexico.
James Hervey Simpson (1813–1883) was a distinguished officer in the U.S. Army and an influential member of the United States Corps of Topographical Engineers.
Early Life and Military Beginnings Born on March 9, 1813, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Simpson was the son of John Simpson and Mary Brunson. His military career began with his graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1832, leading to his initial assignment with the 3rd U.S. Artillery. Simpson's early service included participation in the Second Seminole War, during which he was promoted to first lieutenant in 1837.
Topographical Engineers In 1838, Simpson transitioned to the U.S. Army's Topographical Engineers, a distinct department focusing on mapping and construction projects. He first assisted Cpt. W. G. Williams with harbor construction on Lake Erie and later worked on road construction in Florida and lake surveys in Wisconsin and Ohio. By 1845, he was overseeing the harbor of Erie, demonstrating his growing expertise in topographical engineering.
New Mexico Expedition, 1849 Simpson’s notable westward journey commenced in 1849 under Colonel John James Abert. He surveyed a road from Fort Smith, Arkansas to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and participated in a punitive raid against the Navajo. Simpson's work included collaboration with artists Edward and Richard Kern, resulting in valuable sketches and artwork from the expedition. His successful endeavors in New Mexico led to his appointment as the Chief Topographical Engineer for the Ninth Military Department in Santa Fe.
Other Duties and Utah Expedition Simpson continued his distinguished service by surveying and improving roads in Minnesota in 1851 and was promoted to captain in 1853. His transfer to Florida saw him overseeing survey work for the United States Coast Survey. The Utah Expedition of 1858-59 was a significant chapter in his career. Tasked with mapping routes during the Utah War, Simpson surveyed a wagon road between Camp Floyd and Fort Bridger and conducted reconnaissance into the Great Salt Lake Desert. His expedition in 1859, which included photographer Samuel C. Mills, was crucial for mail, freight, and passenger transportation and laid the groundwork for the Transcontinental Telegraph.
Civil War Service During the Civil War, Simpson served as colonel of the 4th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, was captured at the Battle of Gaines's Mill, but was later paroled. He resigned his volunteer commission to return as a major in the Corps of Topographical Engineers, where he contributed to the defenses of Cincinnati, Ohio. His wartime service earned him the brevet rank of brigadier general.
Later Career and Legacy In his later years, Simpson served as chief engineer of the Interior Department and oversaw the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. He retired to St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1880 and passed away there on March 2, 1883. His name endures in geographical features such as the Simpson Park Mountains in Nevada, the Simpson Mountains in Utah, and the Simpson Springs Pony Express Station, all of which commemorate his significant contributions to American topographical engineering and exploration.